Hewitt v. Prudential Insurance

KELTON, ].,

The issue for decision in this case is whether a decedent effectuated a valid change of beneficiary under a life insurance policy from his estranged wife, Gertrude Hewitt (Gertrude) to plaintiff, Irene Hewitt (Irene).

Plaintiff Irene filed this action against the Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) for failure to pay Irene the accumulated proceeds of life insurance on the life of Charles H. Hewitt, deceased. Defendant Prudential interpleaded decedent’s wife Gertrude. Thereafter pursuant to order *539of court Prudential relinquished all claim to the money and paid the…